Celebrate People's History

Celebrate People’s History is a project created by Just Seeds Print Collective. This winter I was asked to participate by creating a poster about a significant event in history that was something to be celebrated. I chose to create work around the successful fight to protect the Niyamgiri Hills from extractive industry.

In 2013, the Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of the Dongria Kondh Tribe citing the Forest Rights Act of 2006 which requires prior & informed consent from Indigenous communities regarding their resources. When consulted, the tribe unanimously rejected the mining corporation Vedanta Resource’s proposal to decimate their sacred mountain Niyam Raja in order to extract bauxite ore for their illegal aluminum refinery. In January 2014, the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change officially refused clearance for the mine.

This ended an 8 year battle to protect their home in an important victory for indigenous sovereignty worldwide.

Vedanta Resources continues to face fierce resistance everywhere it attempts to exploit communities and harm the environment. As the tide rises, it also shifts towards climate justice.